Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Turkey: Cost, VISA Assistance & Travel Guide

Ovarian cancer originates primarily in the ovaries, which are the organs responsible for producing eggs in the female body. Ovarian cancer treatment in Turkey is an indication of hope for countless women who are battling with this silent disease that remains asymptomatic during the early stages. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often already in an advanced stage and presents itself with various debilitating effects.

For many women who are facing this quietly progressing illness, timely treatment can improve survival rates and alleviate symptoms to a great extent. Turkey is known to house some of the best ovarian cancer clinics and specialists, a combination of which has reportedly produced a high success rate in ovarian cancer treatment in Turkey. From world-class healthcare facilities to expert oncologists, Turkey has emerged as one of the leading destinations for cancer treatment worldwide.

Unlike Western countries like the USA, UK, Singapore, and Australia, where ordinary people fail to access quality treatment due to high treatment costs, Turkey offers a similar quality of treatment within a budget. It is the ideal destination for international patients seeking cost-effective treatment that does not compromise on quality. Additionally, by travelling to Turkey cancer treatment, you can access shorter waiting times, ensure prompt medical intervention, and eliminate any delay in care. This page will be your comprehensive guide to everything about ovarian cancer treatment in Turkey.

What are the Indications for Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Before travelling to Turkey for cancer treatment, it is essential to ensure your candidacy for Turkish cancer treatment. Whether you are eligible to undergo the treatment is going to be determined on the basis of factors like the location and stage of the tumour, along with your age and overall health.

While surgery is often the recommended procedure to treat the tumour, it is primarily effective for cancer that is localised to the ovaries. If your cancer has already spread to the nearby organs, you may not be the right candidate for surgery. Here are some of the indications that suggest your need to consult a medical professional:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Weight loss
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Fatigue
• Lower back pain
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• A frequent need to urinate

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, it's best to contact a healthcare provider and get yourself checked as soon as possible. Early diagnosis promotes timely treatment, which can maximise the efficacy of treatments and ensure a better quality of life.

What are the Options for Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Unless there are any medical contraindications, surgery is often considered the most practical option for patients struggling with ovarian cancer, especially those who are not eligible for chemotherapy treatment. Most doctors, however, recommend a combination of surgical intervention and chemotherapy for the most effective ovarian cancer treatment.

While surgery focuses on removing the visible cancerous tissues, chemotherapy is used to destroy remaining cancer cells and shrink any residual tumours. Together, these treatments increase the chances of successful outcomes. The best options for ovarian cancer treatment in Turkey include:

■ Surgery:

Surgical intervention involves the removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and any other organs that are affected by cancer. The surgical technique varies depending on the size, location, and spread of the tumour. Our ovarian cancer specialists may use laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery, or laparotomy, an open surgery that requires an abdominal incision, based on the size and location of the tumour.

■ Chemotherapy:

Your oncologist may recommend chemotherapy either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with surgery. During chemotherapy, drugs designed to target and kill cancerous cells are utilised. Your doctor may give you chemotherapy intravenously (through a vein) or orally (in pill form).

■ Targeted Therapy:

Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically identify and attack cancer cells while minimising damage to healthy tissue. Targeted cancer therapy alters how cancer cells grow, divide, and repair and is especially useful in reducing the risk of recurrence.

■ Hormone Therapy:

Some ovarian cancers grow in response to hormones. In such cases, hormone therapy is used to block or lower hormone levels, slowing or stopping the growth of cancer. It is mostly used for specific sub types of ovarian cancer, such as stromal tumors.

■ Radiation Therapy:

Although rarely the first line of treatment for ovarian cancer, radiation therapy is used in certain cases to target and destroy cancer cells. It directs high-energy radiation beams at the affected areas to reduce tumor size and relieve symptoms.

What is the Step-by-step Procedure for Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Ovarian cancer surgery in Turkey is personalised for every patient, based on the stage and spread of the disease, with the main goal being the removal of malignant tissues. This involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding lymph nodes. Turkey’s top-tier oncology centres offer a range of surgical options using the latest techniques and technologies.

• Removal of the affected ovary and fallopian tube: For early-stage ovarian cancer that is localised to one ovary, the surgeon may remove only the affected ovary and fallopian tube. This method helps preserve fertility and hormonal function in younger patients.
• Removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes: If cancer is found in both ovaries, both ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed. The uterus can be preserved in some cases to maintain the possibility of carrying a pregnancy using donor eggs or previously frozen eggs.
• Debulking or cytoreduction surgery: For advanced stages of cancer, your surgeons may aim to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible, which may involve removing parts of the bowels, liver, spleen, diaphragm membrane, and abdominal membrane. The goal of this procedure is to leave behind minimal or no visible tumor and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy that follows.
• Minimally invasive procedures: Turkish surgeons are ovarian cancer specialists who use laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries to facilitate faster recovery times, less scarring, and reduced surgical trauma.
• Robot-assisted surgery: Robotic-assisted procedures are becoming increasingly common in Turkey for their precision, safety, and minimal invasiveness. This method provides precision and safety, enabling your surgeons to perform complex procedures with minimal complications. This is another minimally invasive procedure, where your surgeons perform the surgery with robot-assisted equipment, ensuring faster recovery, less scarring, and minimal post-surgical complications. 

How is Recovery After Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Once you are released from the hospital, you will be given instructions and guidelines regarding medications and lifestyle post-op. Following these guidelines strictly can ensure speedy recovery, reducing the chances of complications. Here’s how your recovery timeline might look following the treatment:

1. Hospital stays: You will need to spend a few days in the hospital following a medical procedure to screen for recuperation and deal with any potential complications or discomfort.
2. Pain management: You can face pain and discomfort following surgery, which are common, and pain medicines may be recommended to alleviate symptoms.
3. Activity restrictions: You might have to abstain from hard work and strenuous activities for quite some time following a medical procedure to permit your body time to heal. Heavy activities can lead to unnecessary complications.
4. Follow-up appointments: Ordinary post-operative follow-ups are scheduled for screening, recuperation, assessing treatment viability, and addressing any worries or aftereffects. During these consultations, your doctor will check your progress to adjust your medication regimen accordingly.

Why Opt for Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

Turkey has emerged as one of the best destinations providing cancer care at a reasonable cost. Apart from the ovarian cancer surgery cost, which can range from $12,000 to $20,000, the shorter waiting times make Turkish treatment more attractive for international patients. From renowned hospitals to modern equipment, highly skilled and experienced medical experts, and oncologists, Turkey has it all to provide the best possible outcomes, even in critical cancer stages. Mentioned below are some of the factors that make Turkey stand out from the rest of the first-world countries in terms of medical care:

■ High-quality Medical Facilities:

Turkey is home to internationally accredited hospitals outfitted with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

■ Experienced Healthcare Professionals:

Turkish oncologists and surgeons are often trained in Europe or the U.S., with extensive experience in treating various stages of ovarian cancer.

■ Cost-effective Healthcare:

Compared to countries like the USA, UK, or Australia, Turkey offers up to 50-70% savings on treatment costs without compromising on quality.

■ Shorter Waiting Times:

Patients in Turkey face minimal delays in receiving surgery or starting chemotherapy, which can be a life-saving procedure.

■ Medical Tourism + Travel Experience:

Patients can combine treatment with the opportunity to recover in beautiful locations in Turkey, benefiting from medical tourism services that include visa support, airport transfers, and hotel arrangements.

■ Personalised Treatment Plans:

The treatment plans for ovarian cancer in Turkey with CureTurkey are personalised to a patient’s type, stage, and progression of cancer, taking into account personal health, fertility goals, and lifestyle.

■ Comprehensive Patient Care:

From pre-surgical assessments to post-treatment follow-ups, patients receive end-to-end medical care, including psychological support and nutritional counselling.